News Release 127

ROLLA, MO, APRIL 26, 2011– The Missouri Department of Natural Resources advises water well owners who had a well drilled by Scottie Wilson, Iberia Well Drilling, or an agent of this company, to immediately contact the department’s Division of Geology and Land Survey.

Mr. Wilson is no longer permitted with the state of Missouri to operate as a well installation contractor. It is especially important for individuals who contracted with Wilson (or his agents) to contact the department if they have not received a state certification number for their water well.

The Missouri Water Well Driller's Act became law in 1986. It established well construction standards and requires drillers and pump installers to be permitted by the state.

Non-renewal of Mr. Wilson’s permit as a well installation contractor is a direct result of his failure to return to compliance regarding several outstanding violations. The department is responsible for protecting public health and our state’s resources.

The law was created to protect Missouri groundwater from contamination due to improperly constructed wells. Improperly constructed wells may act as conduits for near surface contaminants entering a drinking water aquifer from above. Contaminated groundwater exposes Missourians of all ages to serious health risks that can result from water-borne diseases such as typhoid fever, dysentery, cholera, hepatitis and giardiasis.

After wells have been constructed, the driller and pump installer are required to submit a well certification and pump information record to the Department. Upon receipt of the records by the department's Wellhead Protection section, the well construction record is examined for adherence to the established minimum construction standards. If the well is constructed properly, a certification number is issued and mailed to the well owner.

For additional information please contact the department’s Division of Geology and Land Survey at 573-368-2115 or 800-361-4827. Learn more about water well drilling at our website dnr.mo.gov/geology/geosrv/wellhd/.